Post-overdose outreach programs in Massachusetts before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

To describe the characteristics of Massachusetts post-overdose outreach programs before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify program adaptations and practices.

We surveyed Massachusetts post-overdose programs about programming onset, funding, outreach encounters, naloxone distribution, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) referrals, and program practices before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We calculated frequencies and summary statistics for program characteristics and practices. We compared programs that started before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic using Pearson Chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests.

As of July 2022, we identified 256 programs active in 242 (69 %) of Massachusetts' 351 municipalities. Before March 2020, 160 "pre-pandemic onset" programs were active. After March 2020, 96 "post-pandemic onset" programs started. In 2022, most were grant funded (89 % (227/256)). Initial survivor contact was attempted via phone (79 % (201/256)) and text (47 % (120/256)), most commonly by a recovery coach (77 % (196/256)). Most programs offered fentanyl test strips and naloxone. Some programs, more commonly pre-pandemic onset, offered safer smoking and injecting supplies. Among the 160 pre-pandemic onset programs, new practices included recommending virtual spotting (44 % (70/160)), facilitating MOUD telemedicine (24 % (39/160)), outreach for people using cocaine and methamphetamine (42 % (67/160)), and referring to race and ethnicity congruent services (31 % (50/160)).

Massachusetts post-overdose outreach programs expanded following the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Services and innovations included resources to reduce harms from the unregulated drug supply (e.g., fentanyl test strips) and more inclusive outreach (e.g., include people using stimulants and race and ethnicity congruent services).